What Does a Melanoma Look Like in Early Stages?

Early-stage melanomas often appear as new moles or changes to existing moles that follow the ABCDE rule. Asymmetry occurs when one half doesn't match the other, while irregular borders appear jagged or blurred rather than smooth. Color variations within the same spot, diameters larger than 6mm (pencil eraser size), and evolution or changes over time are key warning signs. Early melanomas may look like flat, brown or black spots with uneven coloring, or they can be raised with a rough surface. Unlike normal moles, they often have multiple shades of brown, black, red, or blue within the same lesion.

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